Box Elder Creek Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Plentywood Sewage Lagoon Marsh Dam
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Located in Plentywood, Montana, the Box Elder Creek Dam, also known as Bolster, was completed in 1963 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at 80 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 60 feet, holding back the waters of Box Elder Creek to provide flood risk reduction and recreational opportunities in the area. With a storage capacity of 6,378 acre-feet, the dam's primary purpose is for recreation, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy the surrounding area.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the DNRC, the Box Elder Creek Dam has a spillway width of 610 feet and a maximum discharge of 29,600 cubic feet per second. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is in satisfactory condition and undergoes inspections every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with measures in place to manage any potential risks associated with its operation.
With its scenic location and important role in flood risk reduction, the Box Elder Creek Dam serves as a vital resource for the community of Plentywood and offers a unique opportunity for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the beauty of Montana's water management infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
1800 |
Dam Height |
63 |
River Or Stream |
BOX ELDER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
100 |
Hydraulic Height |
60 |
Drainage Area |
20 |
Nid Storage |
6378 |
Structural Height |
80 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
80 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Box Elder Creek Dam